Initial formation of the U.S. Geological Survey hydroclimatic data network [abstract]

EXTRACT (SEE PDF FOR FULL ABSTRACT): The U.S. Geological Survey is working to define a hydroclimatic data network. The Geological Survey collects stream discharge data at more than 7000 sites throughout the United States. Many of these stations are operated to supply information about specific activities such as flood control, irrigation projects, or hydropower generation. As a beginning, the Geological Survey will attempt to identify stations that represent natural streamflow. Several lists of stations representing "natural" streamflow have been complied in the past. While there is some overlap among these lists, a consistent compilation is preferred. The present effort is to produce one list identifying those stations having periods of record which would be suitable for mesoscale climatic analyses.

Reproductive engineering in crustacean aquaculture

Crustacean aquaculture industry in India suffers greatly from lack of technological developments. A major constraint in this enterprise is the limitation of seed stock availability. A critical appraisal is made of the techniques used in the manipulation of reproductive processes in order to augment year-round production of seeds. A new possibility of induced ovarian maturation in crustaceans is by administering steroid hormones of vertebrate source. Environmental factors are known to govern the gametogenic cycle of marine crustaceans. Cryopreservation of male gametes and artificial insemination by way of spermatophore transfer could solve some of the problems of mating under laboratory conditions.